Australia Incoming Passenger Card (IPC): Guide to Filling Out the Entry Form for Vietnamese Travelers
Overview
The Australia Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) is a mandatory declaration form for all passengers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens. The form is typically distributed on flights or ships before arrival in Australia.
Important Rules
- Fill out the form in blue or black pen
- Write in English using capital letters
- Answer all questions — if unsure, select "Yes"
- Provide honest and complete information — false declarations can result in heavy fines or entry denial
- Present the completed form with your passport at the immigration counter
Part 1: Basic Personal Information (Front of Card)
1. Family/Surname (Họ)
Enter your surname exactly as shown in your passport. Example: NGUYEN
2. Given Names (Tên và tên đệm)
Enter your full first and middle names as shown in your passport. Example: VAN AN or THI MINH ANH
3. Passport Number (Số hộ chiếu)
Example: N1234567
4. Flight Number or Name of Ship (Số hiệu chuyến bay/tên tàu)
Example: VN780, QF21, SQ231
5. Intended Address in Australia (Địa chỉ dự định ở tại Úc)
Enter your first hotel or accommodation address, including the state abbreviation. Example: 123 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Common Australian states:
- NSW (New South Wales) — Sydney
- VIC (Victoria) — Melbourne
- QLD (Queensland) — Brisbane, Gold Coast
- WA (Western Australia) — Perth
- SA (South Australia) — Adelaide
Part 2: 11 Declaration Questions About Goods and Health
Important: If you answer "Yes" to any questions 1-9, you must proceed through the Red Channel (kênh đỏ) to declare items in detail to a customs officer.
Question 1: Goods That May Be Prohibited
Do you have prohibited or restricted items such as medicines, steroids, illegal pornography, weapons, or drugs?
Most travelers select: NO
If carrying prescription medications: Prepare an English-language prescription, keep medicine in original containers with clear labels, and note that some medications require special permission.
Question 2: More Than 2250mL of Alcohol or 25 Cigarettes
Are you carrying more than 2250mL of alcohol/beer (approximately 3 bottles of wine), 25 cigarettes, or 25g of tobacco?
Select NO if carrying less, YES if carrying more (you may need to pay duty).
The duty-free limit is 2250mL of alcohol plus 25 cigarettes.
Question 3: Goods Over AUD$900
Are you carrying goods (purchased overseas or duty-free) with a total value over $900 AUD, including gifts?
Select NO if under $900 AUD, YES if $900 AUD or more (you may need to pay duty).
Include designer bags, new phones, laptops, and gifts in your calculation.
Question 4: Goods/Samples for Business/Commercial Use
Are you carrying goods or samples for commercial purposes?
Select NO for tourism or visiting friends/family, YES for business travel or samples.
Question 5: AUD$10,000 or More in Cash
Are you carrying $10,000 AUD or more in cash (or equivalent foreign currency), including traveler's checks, checks, or money orders?
Select NO if under $10,000 AUD, YES if $10,000 AUD or more.
Failure to declare may result in confiscation and heavy penalties.
Question 6: Meat, Poultry, Fish, Seafood, Eggs, Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables
Are you carrying meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruits, or vegetables?
Australia has extremely strict biosecurity regulations. You must select YES if carrying:
- Instant noodles containing meat or eggs
- Beef jerky, dried squid, or fish floss
- Fresh fruits (apples, oranges, bananas)
- Mooncakes with eggs or meat
- Any food containing meat, dairy, or eggs
- Lotus seeds or dried lotus seeds
- Peanuts or cashews
You may select NO for industrially packaged candy or snacks without meat, dairy, or eggs. When uncertain, select YES and let officials inspect.
Question 7: Grains, Seeds, Plants, Traditional Medicines, Wooden Articles
Are you carrying grains, seeds, plants, plant parts, traditional medicine, or wooden items?
Select YES if carrying Chinese herbal medicine, wooden souvenirs, cashews, lotus seeds, rice, or beans.
Question 8: Animals, Animal Products, Pet Food, Specimens, Shells
Are you carrying animals, animal products, pet food, shells, or coral?
Select YES if carrying seashells, coral, leather goods, or feathers.
Question 9: Soil or Items With Soil Attached
Are you carrying soil or items with soil attached, such as shoes, sports equipment, or camping gear?
Select YES for dirty shoes or hiking boots. Recommendation: Clean your shoes before flying.
Question 10: Contact With Farms/Animals/Wilderness in Past 30 Days
In the past 30 days, have you had contact with farms, animals, wilderness areas, or rivers?
Select YES if you visited farms, safaris, went fishing, hiking, or trekking.
Question 11: Travel to Africa, South/Central America, or Caribbean in Past 6 Days
In the past 6 days, have you traveled to Africa, South/Central America, or the Caribbean?
Select NO for direct flights from Vietnam or Southeast Asia, YES if you transited through these regions.
Part 3: Information for Non-Australian Citizens
Do You Intend to Live in Australia for the Next 12 Months?
Select NO for tourist or short-term visas, YES for student, work, or permanent residency visas.
Do You Have Tuberculosis?
Most travelers select NO. If YES, you must provide medical documentation.
Do You Have Any Criminal Conviction(s)?
Most travelers select NO. You must answer truthfully — Australia can check international criminal records.
Part 4: Declaration and Signature
Declaration Statement:
"The information I have provided is true, accurate, and complete. I understand that failing to answer questions may have serious consequences."
Your Signature:
Sign as shown in your passport.
Date:
Enter your arrival date in Australia in Day / Month / Year format. Example: 05 / 02 / 2026
Remember to complete the back of the card as well.
Part 5: Contact Information (Back of Card)
A. Your Contact Details in Australia
Provide your phone number in Australia (if available), email address, and accommodation address with state.
B. Emergency Contact Details
Provide the name, email, phone, or mailing address of a family member or friend for emergency purposes.
C. Visa Type (Select A, B, or C)
A. Migrating permanently to Australia — Select if you have permanent residency
B. Visitor or temporary entrant — Most common option. If selected, provide your intended length of stay (example: 14 Days or 3 Months) and country of residence (example: VIETNAM)
C. Resident returning to Australia — Select if you are a permanent resident or Australian citizen returning home. Provide the country where you spent most time abroad.
D. Additional Information
In which country did you board this flight or ship? (Example: VIETNAM for direct flights, SINGAPORE if transiting)
What is your usual occupation? (Example: Engineer, Teacher, Student, Business Owner, Doctor)
Nationality as shown on passport (Example: VIETNAM or VIETNAMESE)
Date of birth in Day / Month / Year format (Example: 10 / 05 / 1990)
E. Main Reason for Travel (Select One Only)
Options include convention/conference, business, visiting friends or relatives, employment, education, exhibition, and holiday. Holiday is the most common selection for tourists.
Important Reminders
- Complete both sides of the card
- Present the card with your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival
- If you answered YES to questions 1-9, you have items to declare, or you are carrying $10,000 AUD or more in cash, proceed through the Red Channel
- If you answered NO to all questions 1-9 and have nothing to declare, proceed through the Green Channel
Penalties for False Declaration
Failing to declare goods can result in:
- On-the-spot fines up to $420 AUD
- Criminal penalties up to $66,000 or 5 years imprisonment
- Confiscation of goods
- Denial of entry
- Negative impact on future visa applications
Helpful Tips
- Fill out the form on the aircraft to have time for consideration
- Bring your own pen in blue or black
- Provide honest and complete information rather than incomplete answers
- When uncertain, select YES and let officials inspect
- Prepare invoices or receipts for expensive purchases
- Clean your shoes before the flight
- Avoid bringing food if possible
- Ask flight attendants if you have questions
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Completed all information fields
- Name matches passport
- Passport number is correct
- Australian address is complete, including state
- Answered all 11 yes/no questions
- Selected A, B, or C on the back
- Filled in occupation, nationality, and date of birth
- Signed name and entered date
- Writing is clear and legible
- No erasures or overwriting
- Completed both sides of the card
Arrival Procedure
On the aircraft: Flight attendants distribute the IPC — complete both sides
After landing: Bring the IPC and passport
Immigration checkpoint: Present the IPC and passport to the immigration officer
Baggage claim: Collect your luggage
Customs: Proceed through Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (items to declare)
Inspection (if needed): Officials may open your luggage for inspection
Departure: You have completed entry
